Control Arm Subframe Nut

[hamann318is]

I've loosened the control arm from the bushing mount and the strut, and I've been having massive problems getting to the nut (the one under the headers). Does anyone have any advice to reach this nut and how to get it off?

I'll probably need to know how to torque that bad boy back up.

Thanks in advance.

[Jordan]

Support the engine and drop the whole subframe.

Assloads easier.

[boom-monkey]

I used about 30" of extension and a swivel joint and just went in through the top of the engine bay, had that badboy off in about 3 min.

[Bill 84 318i]

On my back underneath the car, I couldn't get any strength on it. So I put a 6" adjustable wrench on it, tied a rope to the hole at the end of the wrench, went to the front, and pulled.

That broke it loose, and I just used a stubby wrench to get it all the way off.

[e9nine]

Your solution == Extensions, that's what I used on my m42.

[boom-monkey]

There's probably more room in the M42 engine bay as well.
Yet another reason why the M42s are superior

[hamann318is]

Your solution == Extensions, that's what I used on my m42.

That ended up working, after taking that exhaust sheild off. :up:

Now I get to loosen the tie rods. I love it... ;)

[Dave]

Revived from the dead - I am doing this today - got it broken loose okay - but now it just spins.

I tried putting a jack under the inner ball joint and still, the stud turns with the nut.

Any ideas????

[AdironRider]

Put a jack under the oil pan and drop the subframe. Worlds easier that way. Also, you should be able to jack up under the ball joint to make it stop. Maybe just try jacking it up a little more for more resistance? Thats how I did mine yesterday.

[Dave]

Put a jack under the oil pan and drop the subframe. Worlds easier that way. Also, you should be able to jack up under the ball joint to make it stop. Maybe just try jacking it up a little more for more resistance? Thats how I did mine yesterday.

I might try that - I put a jack under and it worked - toa point and now its spinning again. If I drop the subframe, I can cut it off easily if I have to.

[KenC]

Yeah, if the nut is binding on the threads then you may have to hack-saw it off. It's always a good idea to clean the exposed threads above the nut really well to prevent binding.

[PeaveyBassist]

Dont need to hacksaw it off Dave. Rip the boot on the ball joint. Get vice grips and a pipe and grip the stud from below the subframe as tight as Motha-F*ckin Possible lol. If you can, have someone hold the pipe on the end of the vice grips, so the stud doesnt turn, then go up top and break the nut loose. Thats what I did with my CA's. The nut on the d/s was rusted to the stud from the balljoint. I had to have my dad hold the pipe for a long time because it was so rusted. Also, if you dont have anyone to hold it, (if the pipe is long enough), you can probably get the pipe to push against a jackstand on the frame to keep it from moving. Good luck!

Will

[Dave]

Yeah, if the nut is binding on the threads then you may have to hack-saw it off. It's always a good idea to clean the exposed threads above the nut really well to prevent binding.

Well - dummy me, did not clean them off.

Will's idea is working, but I am letting it soak with a little PB for now. I'll head back out shortly.

UGH!

[e9nine]

Put more force with the jack on it, be careful though. That method has always worked for me. You can use the vice grips as mentioned as well, as to the subframe drop method.....that's a new one to me. I have never had to do it that way out of 5 or so times I have done control arms

[Charlie]

Put more force with the jack on it, be careful though. That method has always worked for me. You can use the vice grips as mentioned as well, as to the subframe drop method.....that's a new one to me. I have never had to do it that way out of 5 or so times I have done control arms

Agreed, just jack it a little higher. My little 20 dollar pep boys jack does this job well. I've done it a couple of times with a large box end wrench, and then a 22mm crows foot to remove it after it's been loosened.

-Charlie